Herbert Hoover once said that "children are our most valuable asset." Those who protect the interests of children must therefore be the guardians of our future. For over fifteen years the Rocky Mountain Child Advocacy Training Institute (RMCATI) has worked with lawyers who represent the interests of children to help them improve their trial skills. I write to encourage your joining us for a continuing education program that will change the way you advocate for your clients. The 2011 Rocky Mountain Child Advocacy Training Institute is being held Monday through Saturday, May 9-14. The course location is NITA’s new training facility in Boulder, Colorado. This state of the art training facility sits at the foot of the Rocky Mountains right in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities in the United States.

Each year the sponsors of RMCATI work to improve the program. We pay close attention to the comments of past attendees and continually work to make the program even more effective.

In 2011 we are adding an adjudicatory hearing to the course that allows participants to put all of their newly learned skills to use in a trial to the court. In addition, we have added new workshops on tying witness examination to closing argument to help participants make more efficient and effective arguments to the court. In 2011 participants will also receive the newly published Trial Advocacy for the Child Welfare Lawyer, a trial skills text specifically written for child advocates, a $35 value. We have again assembled an outstanding team of instructors for the program. The team includes nationally recognized experts in children’s advocacy, Prof. Michael Dale, Professor JC Lore, and Marvin Ventrell. Three sitting trial judges are also part of the team. Other members of the team practice children’s advocacy, family law, and criminal law. Many have experience in working in public service agencies. Many have been recognized for their skills in both the courtroom and classroom, including awards from NITA, bar associations, and other organizations for their teaching and service. It is truly an outstanding group.

Tuition for the 2011 program is offered at the special price of $850. Members of the National Association of Counsel for Children receive an additional $100 discount. This does not include travel or lodging. Compared to other advocacy programs where the tuition exceeds $2,000 this program provides the same quality training at a special price for public service lawyers.

The program will provide approximately 36 units of general credit, including one unit of ethics credit.